Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, CRS is committed to its principle of subsidiarity: the understanding that communities, who are the closest to challenges, are artisans of their own development. Supporting locally-led development and strong and effective local leadership encompasses this subsidiarity ideal. People should play a central role in their individual, community, and societal development, including that touched by humanitarian and development assistance programs. Building and strengthening local leadership and their institutions ensures that CRS’ work respects the dignity and agency of each person and community we serve and uplifts CRS’ approach of accompanying local institutions to serve the common good. CRS proposes six key policy principles, rooted in CRS’ experience with partners around the world, as well as the efforts of our peer agencies, partners, donors, and others, to encourage, support and expand locally-led humanitarian and development efforts.